Melissa Harrison

Chief Estimator
Strongwell

The role of an estimator at Strongwell is to analyze data and blueprints to provide a best estimate on the time, material, and labor required to manufacture, fabricate, and deliver materials to construction project sites. As the only female leader within her group at Strongwell, Melissa became self-taught and well versed in blueprint reading, complex mathematics, and composite design.

With her leadership, Melissa and her group manage close to 1,200 quotes annually, amounting almost $45 million worth of industrial plastics sales. Her vast experience, narrative, and department knowledge has given her company a manufacturing edge by integrating department functions to better serve a leaner manufacturing environment.

As a champion of continuous learning, Melissa has challenged complacency by utilizing and partnering with regional partners within the sectors of education, workforce training, and regional manufacturing consortiums.

Melissa began her career with Strongwell as a Customer Service Representative. After nurturing and developing key market accounts, she was later promoted to the Customer Service Manager position, overseeing a team of account managers to manage hundreds of accounts. After she understood the business and economics side of manufacturing, she searched for an opportunity to expand her manufacturing knowledge into production control. This position encouraged her to utilize her customer service training to manage the delicate balance between capital and human resources.

Achieving departmental successes created an opportunity to broaden her skill-sets into fabrication. With the assistance of mentors, she launched into the department as an estimator with a managerial track as the company’s first female Chief Estimator.

Melissa shares her stories of opportunity with STEM/STEAM educational tours through primary and graduate levels of education capacities. Melissa isn’t afraid of “working outside of the box”, which is evident by her participation and service to multiple organizations across the region. Melissa is heavily involved with United Way, advocating for the organization among her peers at Strongwell. Melissa leads the United Way Day of Caring team at Strongwell encouraging participation from Strongwell employees and securing the necessary materials provided by Strongwell.

Her commitment to serve has made Bristol a great place to live and Strongwell a great place to give.